NCJ Number
205364
Date Published
2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This description of measures being taken by the Australian Government to increase border protection focuses on people-smuggling, the development of biometrics for border control, southern ocean armed patrols, an increase in the number of first-port vessel boardings, container-handling logistics, and a new air cargo screening trial.
Abstract
The Australian Federal Police has been allocated $17.4 million over 4 years to continue the effective Joint Strike Team that has targeted people-smuggling as part of a "whole-of-government" approach to the fight against illegal immigrants being smuggled into the country. Australia's position as a world leader in border-control technologies has been reinforced with the allocation of $3.1 million in 2004-05 to fund further research and development of the use of biometrics at the border. Biometric technology has the potential to reduce identity fraud by more accurately linking travelers to their passport, as well as facilitating the rapid screening of increasing numbers of travelers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will conduct a trial of a prototype biometric passport to ensure compatibility with equipment to be used by the United States. Various types of biometrics that might be used under various circumstances are discussed. Regarding southern ocean armed patrols, funding in the 2004-05 budget will enable customs to begin regular armed patrols of the southern ocean to better protect Australia's sovereign interests and valuable fish resources. The new initiative will enhance the apprehension of any illegal fishing vessel or any vessel committing an offense inside the Australian Fishing Zone. In another effort, customs will increase the number of vessels boarded at their first port of arrival into Australia by deploying an additional 19 customs officers to remote ports in Western Australia and Queensland. This should produce a 75-80-percent increase in first-port boarding rates. Additional funding in the 2004-05 budget will enable the further enhancement of the screening of sea cargo; and customs will conduct a field trial of new air cargo screening technology developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.